This blog will feature interviews by POD Shopkeepers. A set of questions will be posed to each featured shopkeeper, with variation to ensure we get to know something special about each shopkeeper! Shopkeepers are asked to have fun when answering, so come back each week and see what exciting things they have to say!

One of my favorite Designs I've used in my store is a public domain design I found online, which I have christened "Entwined Hearts". Originally I put it on an ornament which became one of my best sellers over the past Christmas season - "Couple's First Christmas" - personalized with names and year. I also plan to use it to make a line of wedding invitations and related items. I like it because it's simple, yet different and bold. It's versatile and eye-catching, and works well on various products of different shapes and sizes. It also represents one of my favorite themes: love

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Twitter

Stumbleupon

Facebook

Squidoo

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I am not a huge TV watcher, and since I'm not, I don't even know all the shows out there to even choose from, so I really have no idea what TV show I would want my products to be on. I guess it could be part of an infomercial, or online shopping show, such as QVC. Other than that I have no idea. And because I cannot submit this form without typing one hundred words in this box, I am just going to continue to fill this space until I reach one hundred words, so that I can submit the rest of the questions, for which I do have legitimate answers.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early morning

Evening

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I am an avid photographer and belong to a small friendly photography site. The site owner is a long-time Zazzler and several other members have become interested in Zazzle over the years. I finally tried it this past summer and quickly became addicted! I had a good Christmas season and plan to keep at it, expanding my store and my product lines, perhaps creating dditional stores. I am hoping that it might become a viable source of additional income for my retirement!

Monday, May 28, 2012

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

http://www.zazzle.com/spontaneous_singer_tshirt-235448917667235144
My favorite design from my Dramatically Correct theatre-themed store is my "May Spontaneously Break Into Song" shirt. This does happen to be one of my best-selling products, but the reason I like it is because it reminds me that I can find inspiration from anywhere for new products.

This particular product was inspired by a theatre intern that I knew a couple years ago. He was our local community theatre's music director intern for the summer, and he would spontaneously break into song at any given moment. I created this in his honor and it's a great selling item to this day. Since then, I've created a lot of designs that were inspired by people that I know or work with. They're the most fun and people seem to connect with them.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Wordpress self hosted

Wordpress

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook pages

Mailchimp

Squidoo

Niche specific forums

Personal webpage

Pinterest

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

This is my "keep calm and robot on" shirt. This shirt was inspired by the "keep calm" craze and a project I"m working on at work with youth programming and robotics. My past occupation was in theatre, but I did work in technical theatre, and I love lighting design and science too. This program we're working on is getting kids around 10 years old excited about robotics and science and that's exciting for me.

I'd love to see this shirt worn by Grant Imahara on Mythbusters. I think the work they do on that show is really inspiring to kids who are interested in science and math--important subjects to create a future workforce in our country. I know he loves robots and animatronics, and I think he may even like this shirt if he saw it.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Evening

Night

Late night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I found zazzle a long time ago, three or four years ago, and created one shirt--a Halloween themed shirt. I never did sell one. At first, I didn't understand the site or how it worked. I've sold on other PODs but when I found the writing website Squidoo, I got reunited with Zazzle.

Zazzle has a great affiliate program that's run in-house. You get volume bonuses and 15% of sales that you promoted. The linking features under each item make it really easy to insert products into your blog or squidoo article. This is by far my favorite thing about Zazzle.

I love designing for TShirts, especially the Holiday collection because I love the holidays. It cheers me up just to think about it and I hope my designs can bring the same kind of joy. This design in particular has all five owls gathered around the tree, much like my own family (and I assume other families as well) at Christmas. I love that each character gets its own unique personality and that gets to shine through the design. It makes me smile to see all five owls working together to create something worth their while: a fun family tree.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Twitter

Digg

Facebook

Squidoo

YouTube

Niche specific forums

Personal webpage

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I'd love to have my item on the Ellen Degeneres show because she is such an advocate for inspirational things. My item is one of my Fight for the Cure posters, in which half of the proceeds go directly into the cause it supports (in this case, cancer awareness). I have a few items like this that support causes and I love them so much because I feel like I have the ability to help and make a difference. I think the Ellen show would be great for them because Ellen is good at making a huge impact with things like this.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early morning

Evening

Night

Late night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I found Zazzle on a Google search for "print on demand" or something. I can't really remember exactly. I love the freedom I have with designing and that I get my own shop for free. I keep at it because it allows me to store organize all of my designs so well, because right now I don't get very much income from it. I love the feeling I get when someone purchases something from overseas because it makes me feel really international. I always think, "wow, I designed something that someone halfway across the world found joy in. That's really cool."

I haven't sold any of these yet. I really had an awesome time creating it though. That's what I enjoy most about zazzle, is the creating part. I haven't sold but 2 things and it really doesn't matter. This product is very cute and girly and I know loads of people can relate to it. Everyone says diamonds are a girls best friend but I strongly disagree. I personally prefer chocolate anyday over diamonds! This design is on many other products so you're sure to find one that you can realy enjoy. I have other designs that are similar to this one as well!

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Twitter

Digg

Stumbleupon

Facebook

G+ (google+)

Squidoo

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I would want to see this on Sex and the City. This design would go great with the show because it's very girly and flirty and promotes shopping! It's no secret that girls love to shop, so why not show off your love for it? I think this is most deffinatly something I could see Sarah Jessica Parker's character using for sure! As much as those girls love shopping, I could see all three of them having a case like this personalized with their names. I also have the design on Iphone cases and laptop sleeve. It's simply very "Sex and the City."

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early afternoon

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I was looking for ways to make some extra money online when I came across Zazzle. I was skeptical at first but then it just started growing on me. I've only made 2 sales in the months that I have been here, but I have so much fun creating things and coming up with new designs. I don't much care about the money, it's not really about that. I get enjoyment in seeing things I've created on items other people may enjoy.

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

http://www.zazzle.com/fall_beauty_red_leaves_speckcase-176463766895940851
This is one of my favorite designs because I did the illustration of the leaf in one afternoon, after some fall inspiration. Then I worked on creating a pattern repeat, which took some time to get right. I really love the colors and arrangement of the leaves. It's a fun design to put on the iPad case you see here as well as stickers, other cases, mugs, and even plates. As much as I enjoy creating black and white artwork with ink or graphite pencil, I love a piece with some vibrant color like this one. Colored pencils are one of my favorite media!

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook pages

Linkedin

Personal webpage

Pinterest

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

Bones! I just love that show. I do a lot of simple, but realistic and accurate botanical illustrations, and I could see one of my botanical prints as a background decoration on the wall in one of their offices, or maybe as a candy jar on a desk. Maybe my woodland peony seed pod drawing in Hodgins office (he's an expert on bugs, pollens, etc.) Oh! I just thought of this, one of the main characters is Booth, an FBI agent, and he is known for wearing crazy ties and socks. Maybe in a spring episode he could sport my yellow daffodil tie! That would be great. http://www.zazzle.com/daffodil_tie-151165412904241656

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early morning

Evening

Night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I heard about Zazzle on a listserv and thought it would be fun to try it out mainly to get prints of my work on cards, but also to put on other items for sale. I set up a shop in 2009, but didn't really put much in it until the fall of 2010. I love that I can order whatever quantity of cards or other products that I need for my own promotional purposes (charity donations, giveaways on my blog, gifts for friends and family, as well as the indiExhibit for celebrity gifting.) I also love getting my work out to a larger audience and having an opportunity to share my love of nature and illustration with those folks that it appeals to. My shop is a little different than most with the specialty emphasis on botanical and nature illustration. It's sort of a niche, but if it appeals to someone, it may just have exactly what they want!

Dawn of Time – Lime & Gold is a fractal that I have created. I think the iPad skin is a great way to showcase my different fractals.

I love the golden white arc of light in the lower left corner - it inspires me. The march of blue, green, teal seeds across the middle both energizes and stabilizes.

The dark blue green arms whoosh from both the left and right at the top. They feel protective and nurturing to me. The green, yellow and gold pattern in the background is both geometric and natural. This enlivens and brightens the painting. I like it because it makes me happy.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Wordpress self hosted

Wordpress

Posterous

Twitter

Facebook

G+ (google+)

Facebook pages

Myspace

Squidoo

Linkedin

Flicker

General forums

Personal webpage

Pinterest

Other Online sites

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

Conundrum I - Rainbow Women is my signature piece that I use across the web to identify me. I use the left eye as my avatar. For banners, I use a swatch of the middle through the eyes. This mixed media collage let's people know that the site, shop, etc is associated with me.

Conundrum I is a fabric and paint collage inspired by quilting. The rainbow colored woman's face is created with alternating columns of fabric and acrylic paint, changing between light and dark.

The View is the TV show where I want my painting showcased. I think the hosts would like it - perhaps they would look at other of my paintings. I would love it if they would buy it and encourage others to get my work.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Late morning

Early afternoon

Late afternoon

Evening

Night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I heard about Zazzle from other artists as a way to put our paintings on merchandise. This is something I have always wanted to do - make my work accessible in a way that allows people to enjoy my work in their daily lives.

When I first started my art business formally in 1998, one of my goals was to have my paintings on items like mugs so that customers could look at my work as they are living their lives at home and work.

Zazzle has an incredible variety of things to put my paintings on. I thought I was going to have to come up with a way to do that myself. I am very excited to have shops where I can showcase my different kinds of art, all without having to create the merchandise first. I love that someone can go to my shop, choose an item and then customize that item as they desire. It has been great fun connecting with different people who love my paintings and then can go purchase them.

One day I've decided to experiment with basic geometrical figures. I wanted to see what I could do with them without changing the form too much. I fugured out that if I add some features a very cute creature could be born.
I actually spent a lot of time in finding the right color for the eyes but when I turned them green it felt just right.
And the flowers - well, what can I say: I love spring.

I find this image really cute and positive and it makes me smile every time i see it. The flowers are simple but beautiful and the creature is just to cute not to like.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Twitter

Facebook

Linkedin

Flicker

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I guess it would fit perfectly any New year show, be it a Morning or evening news, a talk or a stand-up show. I think that it would suit any hoster or a show guest .
It is joyful and shiny, very positive and very festive. New year decorations always fit not only New year and Christmas but also any other holiday wich requires happy and festive attributes.
The fact that its a coffee mug, it makes it very useful and visible to those inside and outside the studio. for sure eveeryone will enjoy the colorful design on this item.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Late morning

Evening

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I don't remember how I found it, actually.
But I loved the idea of being able express my creativity and share my illustrations with other people. I like creating illustrations but somehow it felt a bit of a waste to create without being able to show off or to share with others.
Zazzle definatelty provides such a chance.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

http://www.zazzle.com/2012_double_happiness_calendar-158494696963973329
I love creating designs incorporating the Chinese Double Happiness symbol. I use this design on many products, but particularly wedding stationery and keepsakes as well as anniversary and engagement items. This year, I've also created some Double Happiness Calendars, which I particulary enjoy creating, as they incorporate 12 different images all featuring the auspicious Double Happiness symbol. These have been a labour of love, as I try to ensure that all the images within the calendar are complimentary and of the highest quality. The back cover of the calendar features all twelve images, giving the calendar that little added extra that customers appreciate.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Posterous

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook pages

Pingler

Squidoo

General forums

Personal webpage

Pinterest

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

http://www.zazzle.com/wedding_invitation_lavender_lane_wedding_set-161501583708212989
I would be so excited if my Lavender Lane Wedding Invitation were to be featured on 'Four Weddings', used by one of the brides to co-ordinate with her lavender theme for her wedding. This delicate design features a photograph of an amythyst stone and matching ribbon with an art nouveau flower design above the ribbon. This design is also featured on a wide range of wedding stationery, keepsakes, wedding planner and more. What better exposure for my Lavender Lane wedding stationery, for my Custom Invites For You store and for Zazzle, than to be featured on a tv show that is totally dedicated to weddings.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early morning

Evening

Night

Late night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I stumbled upon Zazzle several years ago when I was exploring ways to market my photography online. I was already involved with microstock, and had several portfolios with different agencies. My first experience with Zazzle was interesting, however, at that time, I didn't see any sales with my small number of items in my first shop, and as many newbies do, I drifted off and neglected to keep adding and updating. About a year later, I revisited my Zazzle store, Bluewren's Treasures, and got serious about building my inventory, branching out into wedding stationery with my second store, Custom Invites For You and then a third, Serendipatees, which is all things good for kids. Two Grooms is the latest addition to my collection of Zazzle stores. Zazzle has now become a major part of my online endeavours, and I'm so glad I persisted as I am now seeing impressive sales figures which I never imagined were possible in my early days as a Zazzle newbie.

I love it when I come up with an idea and while I'm drawing for that I end up with something entirely different. That is what happened with this heart. I was trying to make a design with a poem I wrote some years ago about love (best subject ever!) I sketched a lot of things that would fit the poem. This heart lock was one of them but didn't fit in with the design for the poem.
I did really like how this heart turned out, so I decided to use if for my 'Shabby Chic' series that I was making at the time. I love polkadots and the torn paper look so to me it seemed like a perfect combination.
It might not be a bestseller, or my best design but I love it anyway!

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook pages

Other Online sites

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I'm Dutch (so forgive me for my not so perfect English) and even though I spend a lot of time in Denmark I love watching 1 particular Dutch show; De Wereld Draait Door (the world keeps spinning). It's a semi fast paced news related show that also shows some art, music, book reviews etc. The host and guests sit around a table with some drinks. I would love to see them drinking coffee from one of my mugs or have a new Zazzle teapot or candy jars on the table.
Not only would it make me very proud but it would be great if it would lead to some more Zazzle exposure in The Netherlands as people have huge question marks in their eyes when I tell them what I do.

I found link to Zazzle in a forum of a microstock site and checked it out, loved it and opened a store right away. Then I spend hours going through the Zazzle forums trying to make sense of it all. After that came a period of trial and error (that will last forever I'm afraid lol), I love seeing my designs on products and it gives a major boost every time something sells. I'm hooked!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

I like to create "This [product] guarded by fire-breathing dragons" designs using my drawing of mirrored blue and green cartoon dragons breathing red, yellow and orange flames of fire. I think this design is cute and eye-catching, and it tickles my fancy because it's intended to be a joke.

I originally drew these dragons for a map of an imaginary land that I created with my son when he was in first and second grade. We had lots of fun making the map and filling in all of the details, so there are good memories associated with the artwork as well.

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Facebook

G+ (google+)

Squidoo

Linkedin

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

I would like to get my Red Roses Illustration Blackberry Casemate Case onto Once Upon A Time, because it has a fantasy feel to it, but it's also a modern art design. Fairy-tale princesses have often had a rose of a particular color associated with them, so this would be a great rose design for a modern day fairy-tale princess, such as Emma Snow.

I think that this Blackberry case would be also great accessory for Emma Snow to carry because it's business-like, feminine and very practical. It would be recognizable as hers anywhere she laid it down, and it would hint at her relationship to Snow White (Mary Margaret) that underlies the story-line.

Do you prefer to work.... *

Late morning

Early afternoon

Late afternoon

Evening

Night

Late night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I found Zazzle in July of 2009 while I was web-surfing. At about that same time, I had a bumper crop of hollyhocks appear in my yard, and they were just so beautiful that I wanted to share the fun. No one seemed really interested in my hollyhock artwork except for my family, and friends and family encouraged me to expand my design offerings into new categories.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

http://www.zazzle.com/rose_glow_ipod_case_mate_case-179710348871572127
I enjoy designing electronics cases, including iPhone, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, and laptop sleeves the most. It's the versatility in design that intrigues me, I think. I'm a fine artist by trade, and have found that many of my fine art works transfer very nicely to the various sizes of cases, and look stunning! Searching for that "perfect" design has led me to learn new software programs, and really stretch my graphic design capabilities, also. Computer created fractal designs can be dramatic, colorful, and especially appealing on electronics cases, and I feel that I have just "scratched the surface" of the design possibilities there. That excites me!

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Blogger/ Blogspot

Stumbleupon

Facebook

Facebook pages

Squidoo

General forums

Personal webpage

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

Good Morning America would be a great place this spring to showcase some of my wedding products, in particular this champagne roses wedding keepsake gift box. They often have special seasonal segments to showcase products in demand for special occasions, such as weddings. The beautiful roses and customizable text on this box make it appealing to the bride as a keepsake, or to guests looking for that special gift. These boxes are high quality, and the oak trim frames the old fashioned tinted photograph of the rose bouquet nicely. Any bride would love to have this gift box to commemorate her special day.http://www.zazzle.com/champagne_roses_wedding_keepsake_gift_box-246660797114620244

Do you prefer to work.... *

Early morning

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I discovered Zazzle quite by accident when searching for a custom made shirt for a relative. Once there, I spent considerable time looking around at all the incredible designs and shops. Being an artist, I was especially intrigued by the possibilities for starting my own shop and seeing my own creations on-line and offered to the public. Once I started, I was hooked! I continue to "zazzle" because it provides a terrific outlet for my creativity, and complements my fine art business very nicely. I find that I look at everyday objects very differently now, always considering how a new zazzle design might evolve.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

What is your favorite design from your shop to create - even if it is not a best seller? and why is it your favorite? *

http://www.zazzle.com/golden_gate_bridge_close_up_from_baker_beach_poster-228355819295759626
This was one of those rare days in San Francisco when Golden Gate Bridge wasn't swallowed by the fog. It was bright and sunny. The Bridge was lit up by the last rays of sunshine, it was right before sunset when I got to Baker Beach. The towers of the bridge stand out in bright red against the deep blue of the sky. The reflections in the tide on the sand add dimension to the photo. And the deserted sand strip seems to be inviting to keep on walking... This is a glorious view of such a famous landmark

What sites do you use to promote your zazzle store? (directly or indirectly - such as sites you use to promote your blogs which promote your store) *

Twitter

Digg

Tumblr

Facebook

Facebook pages

If you could get your item on any TV show - which item would it be and what show would it be on....and why??? *

http://www.zazzle.com/lotus_exige_change_the_rules_t_shirt-235427494901966529 Lotus Exige S - Change the rules - t-shirt.
This is one of my most popular products. I would love to see it featured in Top Gear. Lotus Exige S is a luxury sports car, and it fits perfectly with the theme of the show. This car is so much fun to drive and those who have experienced it know that it can easily beat Porsche's and Maserati's.... for a fraction of a price! I have a series of products with Lotus Exige S and they will make a nice present for your boyfriend, husband or dad. What man doesn't like fast cars??

Do you prefer to work.... *

Evening

Night

How did you find zazzle - and what kept you going with it? *

I stumbled upon Zazzle years ago and didn't fully realize what potential it had. It was only a couple years later that one of my friends told me about the store he had set up on Zazzle and how he had so much fun creating a line of his own t-shirts. That got me thinking... I am a photographer and Zazzle gives me a great opportunity to display my work and explore my creativity.